I’ll never forget the two sentences my music minister told us.
I was in a youth music group at my hometown church, and he was talking to us about two possible motivations for singing. Both sentences were short, only six words. In fact, they were both made up of the same six words. Only the order was slightly different. Guess which sentence illustrated the attitude he wanted us to have:
“I have to sing a song.”
OR
“I have a song to sing.”
The first is what the “professional” might say. He or she works hard, wants to get it right, feels obligated to get it right.
The second sentences better describes the heart of the “amateur.” From Latin and French, the word amateur means “one who loves.” He or she works hard, wants to get it right for the joy of doing it well.
If you guessed that our leader encouraged us to “…have a song to sing,” you are absolutely right. A big smile crept over his face as he said, “I love amateurs.”
Which sentence fits you? It depends on whether you want to convey a message or to showcase your talent.
The same goes for my present work, writing: “I have to write a story” vs. “I have a story to write.”
Whatever work I do, whether for pay or not, I want to please my Creator by doing it. If I am doing it for him, I will pursue my work with
The excellence of a professional
and
The ardor of an amateur.
As near as I can figure, that motivation will breathe life into any project I tackle.
How about it — are you an amateur, too?
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Jan C Johnson, Writer 
I love it that amateur means one who loves! I didn’t know that. It is wonderful to be around those who love what they do.
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I agree, Kathleen… No matter what the job, it’s fun to simply interact with the people who love what they do. Thanks for stopping by!
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Jan, I will gladly claim the title ‘amateur’ This was a great take on singing and writing. (something I do a little of each. did that make sense?)
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Hi, Jody! You make perfect sense to me… great minds think alike? Thanks for commenting!
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What a neat story to get me thinking.
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Glad to hear it, 2wheeler. Thanks for stopping by!
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I think I learn something new everyday!! I thought amateur was an insult too. Your post has me thinking this morning and couldn’t come at a more perfect time when I have been contemplating why I do things and who I am doing it for…I have to teach art vs I have art to teach. Yesterday, at MOPS, it was a good meeting, but something happened that wasn’t planned or under my control. It wasn’t bad, but it made me not be the amateur in my thinking…so THANK you for helping me! Thank you for your comments…such kind words! Still praying for your writing.
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Having “art to teach” is a perfect example! I appreciate your prayers, your encouragement and your friendship!
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